Wisdom Teeth Consultation

The final set of molars that enter your mouth when you are coming into adulthood are often referred to as your wisdom teeth. Those teeth sometimes come in and never bother you in the least, and are perfectly aligned with the rest of your teeth. However, other times, you will find that your wisdom teeth change the alignment of the rest of your teeth, cause pain, or never fully emerge, leading to other issues.

Knowing When Removal Becomes Necessary

There are times where wisdom teeth can be left alone, but the majority of the time, wisdom teeth need to be extracted. According to the American Dental Association, these are the most common causes of wisdom tooth extraction:

If you are facing any of these issues, you will likely need Dr. Rust to remove your wisdom teeth. If you think she should check them out, then schedule an appointment for her to examine your wisdom teeth, and see what her professional opinion is. If you are recommended to get your wisdom teeth extracted, you can schedule your appointment with Dr. Rust before going home from your examination.

After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Immediately following having your wisdom teeth extracted, you should expect to have some bleeding, a little bit of pain, some overall soreness, and possibly some oozing.

The bleeding should subside within 12 hours of the extraction, but the oozing can last up to 48 hours after the procedure is done. Prop your upper body up to sleep for the first few nights to increase healing and avoid additional bleeding. Should your bleeding get heavier, or last longer than this initial period of time, give us a call so we can take a look.

The pain should be easily managed with over the counter, non-aspirin, pain relievers, like Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve. Ice can also be used outside your cheeks for 15 minute intervals, off and on, for the first 24 hours following the extractions to help reduce swelling and pain. If your pain increases, or lasts longer than three days, again, give us a call and let us take a peek to make sure everything is healing properly.

The first 24 hours following your extractions, you should eat only soft foods and do your best not to touch the extraction spots, as this could restart your bleeding. Straws and smoking should be avoided for 3-4 days in order to prevent the clots within the extraction spots from being sucked out. No rinsing or brushing in that first 24 hours, but after that day, you can rinse several times each day with warm salt-water to promote healing.

For more information about your wisdom teeth or to find out if they should be extracted, give Dr. Rust at Cedar Creek Dental a call today at (503) 646-1811, and let her take a look at your wisdom teeth.